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agreement

noun

agree·​ment ə-ˈgrē-mənt How to pronounce agreement (audio)
1
a
: harmony of opinion, action, or character : concord
There is widespread agreement on this issue.
b
: the act or fact of agreeing
She nodded her head in agreement.
2
a
: an arrangement as to a course of action
reached an agreement as to how to achieve their goal
b
: compact, treaty
a trade agreement
3
a
: a contract duly executed (see execute sense transitive 2) and legally binding
b
: the language or instrument (see instrument entry 1 sense 5) embodying such a contract

Examples of agreement in a Sentence

Any changes to the plan require the agreement of everyone involved. There is wide agreement on this issue. They have been unable to reach agreement about how to achieve reform. I thought we had an agreement. Their agreement expires next year. He has to return the property under the terms of an agreement he has with the original owner. He signed an agreement to buy the property.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
While the salary system in the next CBA remains a key hang-up, other issues have been discussed since the WNBPA opted out of the current agreement last year. Ben Pickman, New York Times, 1 Dec. 2025 These lawsuit investment funds are growing rapidly and captured more than $2 billion in new financing agreements for 2024. Stephen Moore, Boston Herald, 1 Dec. 2025 Tickets are already on sale through TicketMaster, which has an agreement with the university to ensure authentic ticket sales and resales. Shaun Goodwin, Idaho Statesman, 30 Nov. 2025 The task could be especially challenging because Israel and Hamas are still clashing and Israel continues to carry out airstrikes, despite the October ceasefire agreement. Arkansas Online, 30 Nov. 2025 See All Example Sentences for agreement

Word History

Etymology

Middle English agrement, borrowed from Anglo-French agreement, agrément, from agreer "to please, consent, agree" + -ment -ment

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 2b

Time Traveler
The first known use of agreement was in the 15th century

Cite this Entry

“Agreement.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/agreement. Accessed 2 Dec. 2025.

Kids Definition

agreement

noun
agree·​ment ə-ˈgrē-mənt How to pronounce agreement (audio)
1
a
: the act of agreeing
b
: harmony of opinion, action, or character : concord
all are in agreement
2
a
: an arrangement or understanding (as a contract or treaty) about action to be taken
b
: a written record of such an agreement
3
: the fact of agreeing grammatically

Legal Definition

agreement

noun
agree·​ment
1
a
: the act or fact of agreeing
by mutual agreement
b
: unity of opinion, understanding, or intent
especially : the mutual assent of contracting parties to the same terms
if they reach agreement

Note: Under common law, agreement is a necessary element of a valid contract. Under Uniform Commercial Code section 1-201(3), agreement is the bargain of the contracting parties as represented explicitly by their language or implicitly by other circumstances (as a course of dealing).

2
a
: an expression (as a settlement, covenant, or contract) of the intent or willingness of two or more parties to bind at least one to terms usually determined by negotiation
an agreement must be sufficiently definite before a court can enforce itJ. D. Calamari and J. M. Perillo
b
: the language or instrument embodying such an expression

More from Merriam-Webster on agreement

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